Given the nature of the discussion that followed Jim’s post and after confiding to Jim my concerns regarding the league, I feel compelled to produce a response. Michael Overman touched upon an issue that has been the epicenter of my struggle with the league for a good period of time. Simply put, many tenured league members have become complacent. Their expectations are such that they feel entitled to exist in the league and/or to operate by their own set of rules. Rather than being obligated to represent our league’s values for the newer owners or applicants interested in joining the league, some are only concerned about themselves or their own personal gain. The root of the problem is comprehensive in such that the complacency I referred to leads to contradiction. The ideology that an owner’s existence is defined by their succession of seasons with the league conflicts with the very essence of what we represent. More particularly, when those same owners who are regarded because of their tenure are publicly disrespecting the informed decisions of the commissioners and/or are changing the rules the commissioners have established; inconsistency and insolence are spread throughout the rest of the league. Some may argue that an owner’s dedication to the league is represented by tenure, and therefore, the tenured owners should be regarded as omniscient. However, tenure is not equivalent to dedication and sacrifice. The participation levels are vastly different from one owner to the next. The time investment involved has not always been reciprocated. That being said, my point is the problem goes much deeper than just tenure. Unbeknownst to many of you, rule infractions or blatant disregard of league expectations were executed by more than one owner with tenure. Many violations were performed by individuals who have recently emerged representing themselves as respected members because of their tenure. As a matter of fact, our corrective communications with those tenured individuals were received with attitude and contempt. Conversely, each time an issue was brought to light regarding an owner who was new to the league, that owner was completely receptive. I have always been an advocate that actions speak louder than words. The acts of defiance reinforce my belief that some individuals are no longer suited to participate in the league as they contradict our very existence. I find it not only concerning, but flat out disrespectful that uninformed individuals would speak out against decisions that we made for the benefit of the league as a whole. There’s a difference between asking for an explanation and questioning the commissioner’s intentions. Quite frankly, not everyone has taken action when it was to benefit the league as a whole. Rather, their voice was found only when it was believed that they could influence the direction of the league for self-benefit. This league has never been and never will be developed for individual or minority gain. Not one person will truly understand the inner-workings required to successfully manage the league unless they have had experience doing so themselves. I can tell you from experience that the group approach is not the answer. For example; I had originally developed the idea of division managers with the intent to empower the owners and encourage community. However, what I discovered was that there were too many misinterpretations of the rules and expectations were misunderstood which lead to miscommunication and tribulation. I will take the blame for that. As Warhawk AKA dreadman reiterated; a league is only as good as its owners - which has been our mantra from day one after disembarking from the league formerly known as the UMFL (R.I.P.). Each and every one of you knows that in no way has this league ever been run for any individual benefit, nor have egos been involved. The best management system for the league will be one or two experienced, responsible individuals. What I can tell you is this… After seeing the amazing responses from each of you who replied to my pre-mature resignation and after communicating with Jim at great length, I have been influenced to continue with 12th Man in a leadership capacity. Yes, I am pulling a Brett Favre. In doing so, the vision of the league and the expectations of the owners will be very different in the sense that everyone will be held to the same standard. We will continue to operate with the same values, but our community will be solely based on quality versus quantity. The league will proceed with the current 16 user team format moving forward. Jim and I will assume an equal partnership with leadership responsibilities. The 16 owners will be 8 per conference, 2 per division and the rules will remain as they currently stand today with the possibility of revisions to meet the league’s needs. We will use the three day advance schedule as we have in the past and advance sooner whenever possible. We will be opening the league for everyone to re-apply which will be mandatory regardless of tenure. The application process and the league format will ensure that the league consists of quality owners. It will instill unpredictability including the challenge to manage a roster against user and CPU teams alike. Not only that, but it will encourage the anticipation of user games which brands them to be even more exciting. The goal is to keep things moving with continued participation so that we can complete as many seasons possible with premium quality. With that said, I am quite certain that some will be excited about my announcement while others will be disappointed. Regardless of your position, please feel free to read and respond with your intent to re-apply or your decision to withdraw yourself from the league’s future. I would expect that we will open the application process soon. Additional insight regarding the league will be provided as the M25 release date nears - August 27 for those who don’t know. Thank you to everyone for taking the time to read this announcement and I hope that each of you are enjoying your spring/summer! Hulk_hagen_55 AveryB Casino CSteud thafuture3886 CaptMoe saintsdave75 CHUNKNESS pittrocks43 Eazy E cry_havoc Phenom LtJustice Warhawk AKA dreadman Juan Valencia lboogie ThaBayouChef hoodiii Michael Overman dablakpope Gutcheck64 PepperNY redlishus Broncos218 coachmimz20 Coopdog ferocious Jaged javy0472 Miki1369 Merenguito PAPER R1VAL Scikotic TwoTONS04 WilsT24 thoov08 NeuroticTruth
^^ I second that....opening this post was like waking up on X-Mas morning to see Santa had come! I too am glad you reconsidered and I look forward to the application process.
For the record, I agree 100% with everything Doug said. Well said! Personally, I am pumped for Madden 25!
Im definitely down for M25! Glad to have you back, Doug. This post says it all. Couldn't have seen this league ever being the same going forward without you, even though I have only been here a year. Good decision bro, can't wait for M25 and hopefully I'll be apart of 12th when the time comes.
This is great news Doug..Its very hard to find a league with great leadership running it and I also would like to apply for M25..
i am most definatly reapplying. this league has been my online home since i joined. in fact ive only been a part of a couple leagues before, but once i landed here i felt that i needed to fight hand over fist to stay here.
Glad you changed your mind Doug, pulling a Favre or not. At least you didn't text a picture of your junk to anyone (ala Jenn Sterger) I'd like to apply for reinstatement when it is time.
My man.. my man............. GREAT NEWS!!! I would love to reapply and help 12th man go next level with this shit!
Good post!! Glad to hear this Doug!! Personally, I know many of us would have hounded you when the next Madden dropped to participate in some form or another. LOL Running different leagues of my own I totally understand where you're coming from. It's a hard balance to get 32 individuals to conform into a cohesive unit with league responsibilities. But 12th Man has a strong core of guys willing to do that!! Secure your place by doing whats required or move on.
Doug, I am glad to see you reconsider. This league has been built on a solid foundation and you have as much to do with that as anyone. I would love to remain a part of 12th Man. I know I am quick to let my emotions guide my responses at times but, the reason I have supported your decisions in the end is because of what you said. We're not always aware of everything that goes on behind the scenes. And as I've stated in the past, I know the decisions made always are made for the benefit of the entire league. This is the only league I care to be a part of and both you and Jim can count on me to do my part to contribute to its success...
